Receive the latest music updates in your inbox

"My cousin Nicholas. Also goes by Juse. Murdered. Last nite. Near his home. Brooklyn, NY," she wrote.

The 26 year-old Minaj, who was devastated by the death of her "precious cousin," shared a number of personal photos of her cousin via Twitter as well.

Minaj's account immediately received notes of condolence and comfort from friends and fans. Former "American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks tweeted "Sending love and prayers to you and your family."

The New York Post confirmed Minaj's tweet, filing this brief report in their "Daily Blotter" section:

“A man was killed in a barrage of bullets in East Flatbush yesterday, police said. Nicholas Telamaque, 27, was shot five blocks from his home on East 52nd Street and Farragut Road at 2:40 a.m. Cops were called and found him with gunshot wounds to his upper torso. He was rushed to Kings County Hospital, where he later died. It is unclear what spurred the violence.”

Although born in Trinidad, Minaj moved to the U.S. at the age of five and grew up in Queens, New York.